Singapore Math Books for Homeschool

What is Singapore Math?

Singapore Math is a distinctive Math Syllabus for Elementary School (Aged 7 to 12). The key characteristics of Singapore Math is that it promotes visual learning through drawing models, rather than using algebra which may not be well understood by elementary school students.

Using this method, students can actually understand the math, rather than just following procedures. Singapore Math is highly ranked and esteemed overseas, and used as alternative textbooks in countries like the United States. It is also a excellent syllabus for home school children.

What is so good about Singapore Math?

This is the question that everyone must be asking “What is so good about Singapore Math?” To answer this question objectively, we have to trace the history of Maths back to the ancient Greeks. During the time of ancient Greeks, mathematicians like Euclid viewed Mathematics mainly as the study of Geometry. Everything in Math could be expressed in pictures or diagrams. However, later on as Mathematics progressed, the shift of emphasis went to Algebra. Mathematicians like Descartes started the revolution whereby almost every field in Mathematics could be expressed in algebraic equations, with no need to refer back to a picture or diagram.

There are pros and cons of Algebra versus Geometry, but for young children, it is clear that most kids are visual learners. That is where Singapore Math modelling method starts to shine. Singapore Math transforms a word problem into a geometry problem, where magnitudes of numbers are represented typically by a bar chart or model. This enables children to actually visualize the Math problem at hand, and solve the problem like a geometric puzzle, rather than a system of algebraic equations.

Example of Singapore Math Technique

The power of Singapore Math can be seen through long Word Problems, typically worth 5 marks each. The wall of text can initially frighten the child, and the untrained student may not know how to start. However, the student who is trained in Singapore Math Technique will know how to start. The way to start is typically to draw a Singapore Math Model, which will be taught in the books recommended above.

Example of a Real Life Singapore Math Question

Q) Julia, Ken and Sass had $38 282 altogether. Julia had $1065 more than Ken and thrice as much as Sass. How much did Sass have?
[Taken from Primary 5 (Age 11) CHIJ CA1]

This is a typical question that the Singapore Math Technique is catered to. This is not the most difficult question definitely, the most difficult questions are from Primary 6 (Age 12) preliminary exam questions. Note that students from age 11 onwards have the help of calculators to help them to do arithmetic.

So how would we start? Starting the question is the hardest part in Singapore Math. As a tutor, I have observed that most students who get the starting part correct will be able to derive the correct answer. (Careless mistakes is another common problem for young kids, check out this post on How to reduce careless mistakes.)

First, we should draw a simple Model as such:

Hand drawn Singapore Math Model

After this, the solution should be clear to the Singapore Math-trained student. We need to add $1065+$38282=$39347, which represents 7 units. Then, $39347 divided by 7 is $5621, which is one unit. Thus, Sass has $5621.

Note that even though on hindsight our Singapore Math model is not to scale (1 unit is $5621 should look longer than $1065), the answer turned out correct. There is no way to know a priori how long a unit should look like, hence the important part is that Ken’s amount should NOT in anyway look like one unit otherwise there is a chance of misinterpretation. This is a very common mistake while drawing Singapore Math models.

More Challenging Singapore Math Questions

Some students may no doubt find Singapore Math too easy or too difficult. If you are looking for more challenging Singapore Math questions, you may want to check out GEP Math or Math Olympiad, which is the epitome of Singapore Math. It is well known that the more challenging Singapore Math questions have a Math Olympiad flavor.

Downsides of Singapore Math

As a Singaporean student who has undergone the entire Singapore Math training from Primary to Tertiary level, I do know of some disadvantages of the Singapore Math method. However, the benefits severely outweigh the disadvantages. The downsides are that some questions with irregular numbers for example “Alice has 2.5 times the number of apples as Ben” are not easily drawn with models. However, the well-trained Singapore Math student will be able to deal with this and draw 5 units for Alice, and 2 units for Ben. Singapore Math is not a permanent learning solution, no one expects a university student learning quantum mechanics to still draw Singapore Math models to solve simple equations. However, as a bridge to algebra for young children, Singapore Math provides a really good foundation for kids to have a feel of Math. It is really empowering to able to intuitively understand a question and solve it for children, rather than be told to solve simultaneous equations mindlessly without understanding.

Singapore Math combined with Algebra

Despite the Singapore Math Model Method seeming like an alternative to Algebra, the truth is that they are not mutually exclusive. The most adept students at age 12 are able to use both Singapore Math Model Methods and Algebra, depending on which suits the situation better. Algebra can be a good last resort if the model is hard to draw. Books like the extremely popular Algebra Survival Guide Workbook: Thousands of Problems To Sharpen Skills and Enhance Understanding can serve to increase the algebra skills of children. Basically, at age 12 if a child can solve simultaneous equations in two variables, that is already a very very commendable achievement and that will enable him/her to solve Singapore Math problems with ease.

Famous Singapore Math Students

One of the most famous students the Singapore Math system has produced is probably Lim Jeck, an IMO (International Mathematical Olympiad) perfect scorer. He is a born and bred true Singaporean, and his achievements have made Singapore proud. (Getting an IMO Perfect Score 42/42 is arguably harder and rarer than getting an Olympic Games Gold Medal, since every Olympic Games will definitely have a Gold Medalist, but not every Math Olympiad each year has a Perfect Scorer.) Read more about Math Olympiad Books to understand the beauty and ingenuity of Math Olympiad questions.

Does Singapore Math Stifle Creativity?

This may be one concern that parents have. Yes, Singaporean students are often reported to lack creativity, but to be honest this has nothing to do with Singapore Math. Singapore Math, if anything, actually promotes creativity. The idea that Math is a boring subject where one simply follows algorithms to produce the answer is really not accurate. Using Singapore Math, each question can be solved in a variety of ways, especially the long word questions. That is why for Singapore Math, it is important to write down the working rather than just the answer. The working is the important part of the question since it enables the teacher to see whether the student is thinking correctly or is he just getting the answer due to chance. As a tutor, I often see students randomly adding, subtracting and dividing numbers and miraculously arriving at the right answer. Or otherwise, sometimes students literally make the proverb “Two wrongs make a right” true by making two mistakes that cancel each other out and arriving at the right answer. Parents teaching from Singapore Math books can look at the student’s working to check out if such a thing is happening.

List of Countries using Singapore Math Textbooks

Other than Singapore, many other countries are using Singapore Math Textbooks. The good thing is that Singapore uses the metric system (i.e. meters and kilograms, rather that the more archaic and less scientifically compatible feet and pounds). Countries using Singapore Math include the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Israel, Philippines. Many parents also buy Singapore Math textbooks for supplementary home schooling. Singapore’s good performance at PISA has lead to greater usage of Singapore Math books in many nations.

Singapore Math for High School

The typical idea of Singapore Math is that it is for elementary school children only (i.e. from age 7 to 12). This is not really true. Although the Singapore education system from age 13 to 16 is based on the UK O Levels System, it is uniquely Singapore in the sense that the questions of Singapore O Levels are set independently by Singapore. It is a famous/infamous opinion that Singapore O Levels / A Levels are the hardest in the world, being more difficult than the UK or any of the British former colonies like Hong Kong. To learn more about Singapore Math after the elementary school level, check out Additional Maths 360, a book by Singaporean authors. Additional Maths is a challenging version of Singapore Math for High School students (Grade 7 , Grade 8, Grade 9 or Grade 10). Students who have learned the Singapore syllabus may want to proceed on to the high school version of Singapore Math. I personally used an earlier version of this textbook for my studies some years ago.

Singapore Math Versus Common Core

Which is better: Singapore Math or Common Core? As a Singaporean, I am definitely more familiar with Singapore Math, but I also read news on Math and education very frequently and hence am acquainted with the Common Core in the USA.

Firstly, Singapore Math places much less restriction on the method of solving the questions. Although algebra may be slightly frowned upon, it is accepted and given full marks if the answer is correct. There is no restriction of forcing students to use “number bonds” to add 7+7 and things like that. Students can use mental arithmetic, traditional working or even counting with fingers if they wish.

Singapore Math uses the traditional method of subtracting using the traditional “Borrowing” Concept

No doubt the Common Core approach also has its merits, especially for very weak students. The step by step approach, although extremely tedious and convoluted, is great for beginners. However, for students who have already mastered subtraction, personally I feel they should be allowed to use any method. 🙂

Singapore Math with Abacus

Singapore Math usually does not incorporate the Abacus, but students can incorporate abacus training while doing Singapore Math questions. Despite abacus being viewed negatively by some as “rote learning” and hence not true math, for young kids the main problem they are facing are simple addition, subtraction, multiplication and sometimes division problems. Mastering the four operations is a necessary step towards mastering Singapore Math. Hence, students can supplement their training with Abacus training. A recommended Abacus to purchase is this high quality Abacus: Japan Japanese Standard Abacus Soroban Tomoe Four balls 23 figures. Abacus Mind Math Level 1 Workbook 1: (of 2) Excel at Mind Math with Soroban, a Japanese Abacus would be a good book for beginners starting to learn the abacus. As for concerns whether the abacus can be brought into the exam hall, parents can note that students who are proficient in abacus can utilize mental abacus techniques to perform calculations with an imaginary abacus. No physical abacus is used.

Does Singapore Math actually work?

As a tutor with many years experience, I can safely say that yes, Singapore Math does actually work. Especially for weaker students, the model drawing aspect of Singapore Math enables students to start the question. I always advise students to start by drawing a model. The hardest part of a journey is always taking the first step. After taking the first step of drawing the model, many of the students will naturally see the way to proceed. It may sound magical but it is truly happening on a daily basis. Parents can purchase a comprehensive set of Singapore Math books like CARSON DELLOSA SINGAPORE MATH BUNDLE GR 7 (Set of 3) to start their Singapore Math journey.

Who is the Founder of Singapore Math?

Technically speaking, Singapore Math is not a novel or new idea. Since the time of ancient Greeks, mathematicians have known the benefits of using diagrams to represent Math problems. Singapore Math is officially founded in 1981, where the Singapore Ministry of Education Curriculum Development board started to produce its own textbooks. Ever since then, other countries have started using Singapore Math textbooks as their curriculum.

Famous Singapore Math Book Authors

There are a few famous Singapore Math Book authors that most students have heard of. One of them is Dr Yeap Ban Har (author of Every Child Can Do Math). Dr Yeap teaches mathematics at the National Institute of Education in Singapore, which trains teachers. Hence, Dr Yeap can be said to be a teacher of teachers.

Learning Singapore Math from the above two authors is really excellent, equivalent to learning a martial art from a true grandmaster. The above two authors can be said to be some of the leading proponents of true Singapore Math.

Singapore Math Guide for Parents

Since students learning Singapore Math are typically of a very young age, parental guidance is really important at this stage. Parents can read up more about Singapore Math on the internet, and try out some of the sample questions. Guidebooks like The Parent Connection for Singapore Math: Tools to Help Them Get It & Get Behind It will enable parents to understand what is going on in the Singapore Math curriculum. Parents should try to solve some of the Singapore Math questions on their own, it is motivational for children to know that their parents can solve the question too!

Also, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, there is nothing better than some Math games to let your child play and learn at the same time! Learning Resources Money Bags Board Game is a fun game that lets children practice the most useful skill in math — counting money and making change. This is surely one skill that all children and adults need to know!

Singapore Math Terminology

Singapore Math books sometimes have many terms and vocabulary that sounds very intimidating. Mention “Singapore Math manipulative” and to be honest, the average Singaporean kid learning the true Singapore math will have no idea what that is. Same goes for “Singapore Math Number Bonds”, “Partial Quotient”, “Branching” and many other terminologies. The truth is, the names don’t matter much at all, it is much more important to know the Why and How, than the terms. That is why books like Why Before How: Singapore Math Computation Strategies, Grades 1-6 are good! However, if you are unsure of a certain Singapore Math term do post it in the comments, and we will try to research to find out what it means.

I will be writing more on the topic of Singapore Math (intending to make this page an encyclopedic reference on Singapore Math), and if you have any comments or questions do post them below! 🙂

Recommended Singapore Math Books

We have compiled a list of Top 5 Best selling and Top rated Singapore Math Books on Amazon. This list is more targeted towards parents and students living outside Singapore, like in the United States. Students in Singapore are already breathing and living Singapore Math!

Hope this list will help you in finding the Best Singapore Math Books for your child. The reviews are from actual customers on Amazon. We also added a lot of comprehensive information about Singapore Math at the bottom of the post.1)

Amazon Review: This math practice book contains wonderful teaching strategies from the Singapore math program including number bonds and counting on. This would be a good book for homeschooling. We use it as an enrichment tool when we have a little extra time during vacations or on weekends.
I would recommend it to parents who would like to teach their struggling kids math, because it tells you how to teach these concepts.

Amazon Review: Get a complete math curriculum in one with this specially bundled package of Singapore Math learning. Singapore Math is one of the leading math programs in the world! Each grade-appropriate set includes level A and B of the Singapore Math Practice series, 70 Must-Know Word Problems, Mental Math, and Step-by-Step Problem Solving. So, jump start your math learning today!

Amazon Review: I’m not an expert. I have taught Singapore Maths to my son for four years and will start another soon. I use Singapore Maths curriculum as well as the Intensive Practice books. Not for the faint of heart! I read this book from cover to cover and found it to be informative and a very welcome refresher for me. I welcomed the tips and suggestions throughout. For example the suggestion of reading problems reflectively, which as a parent I sometimes assume my little guy does, but perhaps not. I highly recommend this book as an additional resource when teaching Singapore Maths. I wish I knew about it from the beginning.

Amazon Review: I am a Math Tutor and a huge fan of the Singapore books. This book is great to use for students who are looking for challenging enrichment problems. The strategies gone over in this book can also be applied in the classroom and on standardized tests for specialized high schools.

This comprehensive book includes an Audio CD and Interactive Whiteboard. Rated highly at 4.6 stars, this book is a good buy if it is within your budget. It teaches a variety of topics like Number Lines, Fractions, Geometry, Measurement, all core topics of the Singapore Math Curriculum.

Featured Udemy Course:

Singapore Math: Place Value Addition
Singapore Math: Place Value Addition
Learn the importance of place values in math. In this addition series we will use place value disks & place value mat.

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